Free job training scholarships offered on Island

Here’s some timely news, courtesy of the Greater Houston Area Red Cross:

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With the two-year anniversary of Hurricane Ike upon us, Galveston Island is still recovering. Some businesses are just now returning or reopening.

To help attract and prepare applicants for Galveston Island jobs requiring CPR/AED (cardiopulmonary resuscitation/automated external defibrillator) certification, the Galveston United Way has awarded the Red Cross money for training scholarships.

The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), schools, nursing homes, child care centers and nursing homes are some of the Galveston Island businesses that are hiring and require CPR/AED certification. Scholarships for the American Cross classes will be awarded to several hundred job applicants. CPR/AED training normally costs $45, however if additional certifications are required, the price is higher.

The Galveston County Branch of the American Red Cross receives phone calls weekly from job applicants needing CPR/AED certification, but lacking the money to take the course. The Texas Workforce, UTMB and other businesses will refer job seekers to the Red Cross to apply for the scholarships.

“The Greater Houston Area Red Cross Chapter is proud to continue helping in the recovery process for Galveston Island,” said Steve Vetrano, chief executive officer of the Greater Houston Area Red Cross. “Our Red Cross training will make these applicants more employable and, we hope, draw people back to the Island to help further stimulate the economy.”

The Texas Workforce has already sent several referrals to the Red Cross Office. People who want to apply for a CPR/AED certification scholarship should call the Galveston County Red Cross office at 409-945-7200.

“We expect to begin taking applications for scholarships at the beginning of October,” said said Mari Berend, Galveston County Red Cross office service director. “We will process them as they come in and place those job seekers into existing classes as space permits. If we need additional classes, we will add them.”

The Galveston United Way has also provided the Red Cross with grant money to teach Family Caregiving classes. This training provides family members with the skills to care for an elderly or chronically ill person in their home.

The class will be a resource for residents living on the Island, or those wanting to return, who may be taking care of a family member with special needs. Family Caregiving Classes will be offered after the beginning of the New Year.

For more information on the program, contact Mari Berend, Galveston County Red Cross Office Service Director, at 409-682-7407.